Getting Away - The Redang Trip Friday, May 23, 2008
Joyce, Lauren, Yenli and I had an early dinner in 1 Utama, very much earlier than the appointed time of departure. At about half past 11, we were joined by Kwo Kuang and E Guy (who were carrying their own share of luggage). After the previous night's conversation with Eelaine about overpacking, I had expected her to arrive with her entire house. Mana tau, she actually brought less things than I did. Before long, the 30-odd seafarers were soon idling around the bus depot, waiting for the bus to leave. At 11.55, the bus trundled away, only to stop at a 7-11/McDonald's rest stop, for us to stock up on supplies. After buying enough snacks to feed and army and their cats, we re-boarded the bus, ready for the long haul. 7 hours passed by rather quickly, and we were soon on the Kuala Terengganu jetty, a bit worse for wear, but ready to taste the tangy scent of the open sea. The boat which ferried us across the open ocean was bedecked with an open area, where most of the guys stood, only to get drenched by the waves and drizzle.
Lauren, Yenli, Joyce
Waiting impatiently at the bus stop Li Theng, Sue Ann, Yomae, Siok Kin! This was before everyone started dozing off The much required toilet stop
Our mode of transport to the island... ...the BatBoat. It was rather cramped in the BatBoat So the guys decided to brave the weather outside Kian Siang and Kohilan share a special moment Happy and wet people The pensive Johnson
The boat which ferried us across the open ocean was bedecked with an open area, where most of the guys stood, only to get drenched by the waves and drizzle. 45 minutes was all it took for the worthy fellow to get us across to Redang Bay Resort, and the first words that Kohilan uttered was, "Wei. This place dem seteh* wei." We unpacked our luggage, and checked into the rooms, for a short rest, before lunch was served, ala camp-style, where everyone ate together at long tables. Joyce and I decided to forgo the snorkeling, and just strolled around the beach and (attempted) to build a sandcastle, while the others played volleyball and snoozed in the sun. Sadly, the day was rather cloudy, and nobody really likes cloudy weather when they're on a beach resort. Eelaine and Joyce were rather keen on the Banana Boat ride, so we managed to gather 7 people who were willing to be towed around the open sea on an inflatable raft. After the initial pass, we were soon thrown into the sea, with the girls screaming "I swear hes going to kill us." On the second pass, we managed to survive the treacherous curves, and were rather proud of ourselves. The boatmen gave us a peace sign from afar, and we were clapping ourselves on the back about how great we were until we realized that it wasn't the peace sign he was giving; apparently he was signalling that two people had flown off from the back of the banana. We turned around to see Eng Teck and Matthew missing, and saw two floating specks several metres away. Rather fun, that.
Seteh resort, according to Kohilan Lunchhour, ala NS Camp
Johnson soars like an eagle Cloudy weather Even more cloudy weather
Joyce, next to some rocks Kwo Kuang and Sue Ann build some genitalia around Yomae They like to get close to genitalia
The afternoon quickly passed, and dinner was served the same way as lunch. Now, I had planned a surprise cook-out dinner on the beach for Joyce, since it was our second year anniversary, and everything started out rather well. I had packed spaghetti and all the works, ready to be cooked with the mess tin and solid fuel tablets that I hid in my carry case. The fuel tablets were burning merrily, the ham was sitting, waiting to be cooked, and the sauce was ready to be heated up. Things took a turn for the worse, however, when the pan I was using caught fire.
Ok, I don't know how that happened, it just did.
When I finally called Joyce to meet me on the beach, the pan had turned into a blackened lump of tin, and dinner had to be served cold. Oh well, I guess its the thought that counts *shrug*. More walking around for me and Joyce, while the others broke out the bottles, and began to have the time of their lives. Since it had been a long day, Joyce and I retired early, but I managed to wake up at about 5 a.m. to take a solitary walk along the now quiet beach.
Just before dinner
Its nice to be hugged in Redang... ... and carried as well
The first activity the next day was snorkeling, off the Marine Park. We were ferried along in an ancient fishing trawler (ok, it just looked like one) to another island about 1/2 hour away, where we donned our goggles and peered at weird looking fish. Kwo Kuang made his debut foray into a large body of water, and also managed to survive looking at schools of fish without drowning. When we came back, it was just in time for lunch, and an afternoon siesta. I was approached by Zhao Heng in the afternoon, who needed a kayaking partner. I was game for it, and we started off rather gung-ho. When we were halfway through, however, we met the people returning from our target island, who kindly informed us that it was still an extremely long way to it. Not wanting to die in the open sea, Zhao Heng and I decided to turn back, and paddled to the beach, where we collapsed in exhaustion. Another Banana Boat ride later, and we were all just relaxing on the beach before the group photo, where I made full use of the tripod I had carried along. Dinner was soon served, and we fell to with great gusto. Han Yang complained about the lack of chicken, so we walked over to the 'famous' chicken stall to get Han Yang's chicken fix. Joyce and I walked around the beach again, this time, to get souvenirs, and take photos of the scenery. That took a surprisingly long time, and by the time we were done, it was already quite late. The guys were already ready to watch football, and there was another table that had loads of bottles on it, so, again, we took leave earlier, and went to bed.
Me Me and Zhao Heng start off on our wondrous adventure The Beach "The Lucky Man", according to Eelaine Me and Joyce
Me and Joyce, yet again...
I jump slower than the normal human I'm not too sure whats going on here, though The Compulsory Group Photo Baywatch Guard and Tommy
Me and Joyce
Joey looks sheepish It costs RM9 Taken at night The other resorts...
The More More Teahouse Yet another resort
Also taken at night...
Sunrise
Sunrise on the jetty
Sunrise on me and Joyce on the Jetty
The next morning saw us out early, and we were asked to pack our stuff and check out by 9.30. We boarded the boat at 11.45 a.m., and we were soon (again) on the Kuala Terengganu pier. After the bus had travelled for an hour or so, we stopped by a floating restaurant for lunch. The food came at the speed of a snail, and the teh ais was more like just air ais (maybe thats how they prefer it, over there), but still, it was a rather pleasant stop. We boarded the bus again, and this time, it was a straight shot to 1 Utama, stopping for an hour at a McDonalds (again) for dinner. Before we knew it, the bus had left, and the trip was over.
The Rhinoceros Beetle, made popular by Kian Siang
Leaving the shore
On the boat (spot our group) Kian Siang gets retarded Kuala Terengganu!
The Floating Restaurant (on stilts)
The Air Ais (with colouring) Joyce and Sue Ann
Me and Sue Ann
I can still feel the fine sand under my feet and the smell of salt on the air, though.
Guess the memories won't be over just yet.
*seteh - colloquial Indian term which encompasses a whole range of meanings, strange, weird, teruk, etc.
For more photos on Facebook, click below!
Posted at 03:18 pm by IsaacCheah
Link to this article!
Filed under:
"The End of It All" : Saying Goodbye to Semenyih Sunday, May 18, 2008
Well, this is it. Uni life, as I've known it for the past 3 years, has come to a rather abrupt end. It didn't seem too daunting when we were all running around trying to cram information into our brains during the final year exams, but now that its over, it has suddenly become all too obvious that we're done for.
Finito. The End. Fin.
We've always been reassured (since primary school), that once the year ends, we can say, "Hey, see you next year!", and shortly after that, be reunited with our friends and loved ones in a friendly and common setting. We could always refer to each other as schoolmate, uni-mate, college-classmate, and so forth, feeling united in a common goal. We had always the chance to cycle, walk, drive, or just pick up the phone to see or talk to each other, as a friend in need, or simply for fun.
And that too, has come to an end, as all good things must.
At this point in time, its nice to think back on all those times, and what we went through for the past 3 years. Memory lane is always brighter with a few photos.
It all began in 2005, with a batch of very fresh college-leavers, and an extremely clean (and bare) apartment. The notorious apartment block in Redang Hall that could never be locked properly ever since some joker tore off the doorknob would eventually become the gathering place for the Taylors College Leavers community, and hence became known as Taylors Community Centre (or TCC, for short)
Indeed, the first year was rather relaxed, and we had ample time to do charity work in all forms (including leaving worms in the freezer), as well as indulge in a variety of sports. The kitchen utensils inevitably ended up in our apartment.
It wasn't long before we got visits from outsiders, and I can clearly recall Sue Ann stopping by for a sleepover, just before the Christmas party organized by Pin Pin's gang of fellows. That would be my first time meeting the people who would eventually become my Squash Club Committee, Vincent, Choong Hoe, and Yie Jie.
Roughly in the middle of the year, we went as a group to Passion, right after the historical (first) win of the Chem Eng basketball team.That was also about the same time that Chocolate Sundae and the Squash Club was born.
So we celebrated Lauren's birthday, and entered the Unim Idol Finals at about the same time. It was also then that I paid Joyce one of the first few visits to Seremban, and took part in a Drag Queen show. Not one of the high points in my life.
Our first Annual Dinner saw Chocolate Sundae crowned Unim Idols (till this day, I can't understand why we won, other than having very loud and supportive friends), and also managed to get all of us into our best attire. Our TCC was first introduced to Sue Ann during her dinner gathering at Luna Bar.
There was an abundance of performances by Chocolate Sundae after that, and also we bid farewell to half of our gang who travelled to the UK.
We managed to entertain ourselves pretty well, with numerous weird events, and plenty of photo-taking sessions, in all kinds of places.
Near the end of the year was a period where I spent a fair amount of time celebrating anniversaries and such.
It was also about this time that I got to know Li-Lynn and Chui San better, with an inordinate amount of lame jokes, and nightly walks around the area. I had a surprise birthday party, which I managed to suspect due to the very suspicious Joshua and Kohilan.
More travelling about, this time, with Wei Xian and Yenli whom I brought to PD. It was a time of temple-visiting, getting to know new friends, and cutting more cakes.
Killing snakes was the hot topic at the time, as well as Chocolate Sundae's performance for royalty (yes, one of the band's higher points). Yee sang and trips to the waterfall also had its fair share of coverage (and I got a random frog from Sue Ann as well)
Yenli's birthday brought us all to Maison's, and Weng Lum's SIFE fashion show saw us in Zouk. Definitely clubbing month. Kohilan and Joshua just enjoyed life, and I volunteered to serve during the Nottingham Open Day, with Shanti.
Jeannie the Guinea Pig came into our lives, and we had all kinds of sports activities, with Sports Week and Squash Tournaments in abundance. CIMA almost managed to kill Joshua, or at least scar him for life.
Again, it came to the end of the (academic) year, and it was around here that we went for trips to the market, stayed back in Semenyih, and ate fried fish.
The new (academic) year came, and along with it, the jokers from UK. We had an extremely fun time catching up, which was punctuated with Lauren's spectacular drive into the longkang.
I got to spend more time with Yenli and Lauren, when we started taking part in ACE Club activities. Ok, only one activity.
In mid-academic year, we began to bond even better, with the help of birthday parties, and temple visits (with magic shows). I brought Joyce to the Eye on Malaysia, and the KL Tower for her 21st birthday, an event which ended with a fountain presentation.
After the end of the exams, we started hanging out again, with singing sessions, rock-climbing, and various other forms of entertainment. It was simply a way to savour the final moments before the finals killed us, in May.
True enough, the amount of birthday parties celebrated increased.
Some of us went up to Genting, which was followed by several rounds of Chinese New Year-based activities.
As the last few months began to pass by, however, we noticed that the gatherings were becoming more frequent, and more people started to attend...
Yenli took part (and to us, won) the Ms. Nottingham Finals, along with Eelaine Boo, and I got the pleasure of meeting with new friends, after helping Jeannie out with her stint. I also managed to be there with Pin Pin and Qian Hui when Pin had her hand treated for a bee sting. Quite kesian.
More makan events.
As the year drew to an end, we started hanging out more with a different bunch of friends, perhaps to (subconciously) express our thanks for three years of friendship...
...and, to end things with a bang, we had our Final Annual Dinner, Final TCC Dinner, Final Breakfast Gang dinner, all of which smacked of finality.
And so, what now?
Yes, we won't have any more laptop - staring - at sessions...
We won't have our favourite memorabilia to look at...
We won't have any more of those exotic wildlife to gawk at...
And yes, we won't have any more buildings to study in...
... but though we may miss those very much, I think we'll miss each other even more.
These photos are barely the tip of the iceberg for the amount of pictures we took, but it does remind us of a whole lot of memories. Ups and downs, true, but eventful, nonetheless.
Thank you, all of you, for a fantastic 3 years.
"Once in TCC, always in TCC..."
- Soon Seng, 2006
God bless all of you.
Posted at 10:55 pm by IsaacCheah
Link to this article!
Filed under:
Saturday, May 10, 2008
4 days more before the exams are over.4 days more to do the list of things stated below.4 days more to say our goodbyes.4 days more isn't really enough.
If you had always wanted to spray the ducks in the lake with a fire extinguisher, better do it soon.
Posted at 06:02 pm by IsaacCheah
Link to this article!
Filed under:
Saturday, May 03, 2008
In a brief respite from the endless drudgery of studying, I managed to upload a few photos from our business school photoshoot, organized about a month ago.
It was an extremely windy day, on the 1st of April, when we gathered for a group photo session. Most of the invited guests thought it was an April's Fool prank, but were proven wrong when the cameras began to spring out everywhere.
Our 3rd Year Finance, Accounting, and Management students... ...and here we are again... The people on the left have very flexible faces Hopefully. The ladies... ...and the men. Windy days make for fun photoshoots Audrey and Li Shian! Luckily for us, the weather held up, in rainy Semenyih 3 People in a Photo Choon May, Siok Kin, myself, and Shen-Myin! (with Ronald running away in the background) ...and finally, the full NUBS photo. =) (less a lot of people)
For more photos, have a look at my Facebook albums here and here! (with full-sized shots)
Ok, now back to Corporate Finance.
Posted at 05:49 pm by IsaacCheah
Link to this article!
Filed under:
Things To Do Before University Ends... Friday, April 25, 2008
It has come to that time again, when one realizes that, nothing, especially the best things in life, lasts forever. Like the day we collected our SPM results, like the day we cheered loudly after walking out from the A-Levels examination hall, the day will soon arrive when we shake a sea of hands and dole out numerous hugs to our closest friends (and acquaintances, of course), and say goodbye to a good many people whom we will probably never meet again in this lifetime.
And that day is only about 2 weeks away.
Life in Nottingham university is going to draw to an abrupt end, once we've all sat for our last paper, and the enormity of is inevitably dawning on all of us. Unlike the other partings we've had to make (primary, secondary, college), there isn't any 'next institution of education', this time 'round. Its still a goodbye, but this time, its permanent. Sure, we'll all try to meet up, and that weekly mamak session is still likely to happen, but there's no denying it; its not going to be the same anymore.
Before this entry degenerates into an emotional one, let me bring about the main point. Before the end of university life as we (I) know it, there was a list of things we just HAD to do. Most of them are simply repetitions of the activities that we used to do in our first year, and involves reliving (for a short while) the carefree life we had back then (if only we didn't have our exams looming like a huge thunderclouds on the horizon). The first thing we managed to accomplish, early on a Thursday morning, was to visit our local Semenyih market, for breakfast.
Yenli, walking around the market
She was a bit surprised when I asked if she could stand next to the stall for me to take a photo Siok Kin didn't get much sleep, the night before...
...but she recovers very quickly. As Lauren was stirring my tea, she asked, "Hey, can I stir your tea?" (that brought back fond memories of how you used to pour the sugar for my coffee, back in college... =) Sometimes, the sky turns yellow in Semenyih
The Breakfast Gang (less a Weng Hoe who couldn't wake up)
Heres the rest of that list:
Things To Do Before University Ends
1. Walk around the lake
2. Sit around the grass circle (guitar and teapot optional)
3. Travel up and down the spiral staircase in the C Block
4. Eat in the dodgy Broga restaurant near the temple
5. Eat breakfast at the morning market
6. Visit the waterfalls (Gabai, or Tekala, either will do)
7. Make a trip to the old Taylor's Community Centre (otherwise known as our old apartment)
8. Lounge around the Centre Courtyard and Ampitheatre
9. Mince around the university while talking and laughing loudly
10. Have dinner/lunch/tea/supper with friends/coursemates (yes, that includes Pin Pin =)
11. Take pictures of all the above
What else would you do, before uni ends?
Posted at 11:12 pm by IsaacCheah
Link to this article!
Filed under:
Bedazzled! Nottingham's Annual Dinner, 2008 - In 57 Photos... Saturday, April 19, 2008
A warning to those with low bandwith speeds, and a severe hatred of picture posts, the following entry is chock-full of images, which may slow down browsing speeds. For those who wanted to see only a selected range of photos, since Facebook is flooded with them, do remember that 57 photos are only a drop in the ocean of images flying around now. Thank you for your patience.
The Nottingham Annual Dinner 2008 was held in the quiet area of Damansara, in the One World Hotel. Since Lauren had scheduled a hair appointment for Joyce in 1 Utama, I drove her down to the shopping mall in the afternoon, carrying along a change of clothes for the night. After a light lunch with Yenli, Eelaine, Weng Hoe, and Kwo Kuang, the girls happily flocked to the salon, while I scampered around the place looking for some items that I would need later tonight. An hour (or 3) passed, and I was soon upstairs in David's suite, to take a shower, and change. When I emerged, voila! someone noticed that I wasn't wearing glasses. Apparently, couple that with slicked-backed hair, and even Lauren, whom I met in the lobby to bring upstairs, couldn't really recognize me. She was curiously peering around the place, when all the while, I was standing in front of her, grinning away. After the inevitable laughter, we went upstairs, and were soon ready to make our grand entrance into the ballroom.
In the suite, the gang with the drinks. Sue Ann shows her innate ability to hide behind Chivas bottles.  My favourite picture of the night, with dear Joyce. =)  Apparently, I looked quite different, that night.  Joyce and Lauren, with Andy Chan, the esteemed lecturer. 
Nini! (Surprisingly, the only blur photo of the night.)  Chuan Yuen looks dashing, here in his Chinese Suit. (and also a bit gangster, if you ask me *grin*)  Lauren initially said that her dress was "too" green. I think its just perfect.  Joyce and Yenli, at the dinner table. I think that they barely managed to eat anything, what with the amount of photo-taking going on.  Ms. Ang... =) Someone's turning 21 soon! (that would be Sue Ann)  J.J., coursemate, and a nice dependable fellow to have around...  The SCB Jokers - Balayan (Brian), The Drinker (myself), and The Crapper (Josh).  Kohilan's Hat was the centre of attraction for some time. (remember to ask him how he came by it)  Patsy Pang, with her daring dress.. Its been 3 years since we had that dinner in the cafeteria!  The ladies, with Weng Hoe.  RM65 worth of hair treatment!  A grinning Siok Kin, and the Cheshire Cat.  Irene and Yvonne appear for the first time in the pictures!  Siok Kin, The God of Gamblers, and Eugene.. (who has volunteered to be my P.A. in the future)  Jenna, Veena, and Shen-Myin, behind The God of Gamblers.  Choong Yang and Joey!  Kwo Kuang, and an overly bright flash.
It was somewhere at this point in time that I realized that several people had started to call me The God of Gamblers, and The Boss. I guess the slicked-back hair look did make me look a bit different. The Mr. and Mrs. Nottingham finals were underway, and those of us who had friends up there on the stage, clapped and cheered wildly as Yenli, Eelaine, Weng Phoon and Kwo Kuang did their dance routine with flair and panache. Yenli even managed to send the crowd into a wild frenzy with an impromptu dance, but for her sake, I won't go into too much detail here *wink*. When Jason Lo took the stage, frenetic music filled the air, and a huge mass of students could be seen trashing about in front of the stage (for those who didn't find loud rock music their cup of tea, the area OUTSIDE the hall was equally suitable as a photo studio).
The Fantastic 4. Kohilan, Jitfu, Kian Siang and I have been in the same business group for 3 years running. Kian Siang looks like he's in China, and feeling cold.
Another Business Gang Photo!
 In a blooper picture, Audrey smiles beatifically, while Li Shian attempts to dodge the camera.  Shanti! Looks like there won't be as many (home-made) coffee sessions as there used to be, hor?  I can only manage to look fat and shiny next to the lovely Heng Wen and Joyce.  Ever since E Guy found out that he was cool, he has never held a glass of juice in any other way except with style.  Joyce and Kirsten! 
The TCC gang, with Sue Ann being the only rose among the thorns.  Once Joshua abandoned his carefree style of dressing, he was as dashing as anyone could be.  Zhao Heng's head looks especially long here.  Finally, me and the Ms. Nottingham contender... (or in our hearts, Ms. Nottingham By Default =)  Ms. Nottingham By Default and Joyce.  Yang, the Friendly Neighbour.. Most frequently seen in the hall with his Vista-powered PC.  Yomae becomes the only rose among the thorns.  Ratna and Shino! In pink and red, respectively. 
Li-Lynn arrived at the dinner at this point... (Lauren, Josephine, Me, Lynn, and Joyce) 
I was privileged to be flanked by the two sizzling ladies, Lynn and Joey...=)
(When Andy Chan saw us posing for the shot, I could hear an audible "whoa..." from the table, and the look on his face was priceless.. *grin*) 
Patsy and Alicia, outside the hall... 
Eelaine! (the other Ms. Nottingham By Default) I look strangely like a rapist in this picture. Hm. 
Quek won Best Dressed, in his tuxedo, and we see him here, with Lauren. 
Kenny! 
My bowtie lost to his. 
I can't remember who took this photo of me and Jiahui, but it has an interesting fading effect. No need to Photoshop! 
Josh, with Joyce and I.
Pek San! (haha.. I stole this picture from your blog. Waiting for the originals!) 
Yenli is beside herself, dancing with Eelaine... 
Weng Phoon is the perfect gentleman, as he extends his hand to Lynn... 
Elizabeth looks incredibly sweet in her pink number... 
Gabriel, Stephanie, Myself, and Joyce finally managed to take a photo together.  Eu-Ling, kudos to you on a job well done!! 
Sook Wan, in a demure red dress.. nice! 
Lauren, Eu-Ling, and Joyce...
Men In Black
(and in Hats, Pinstripe Suits, and a hell lot of other things..)
I managed to get another picture with Lauren, before the night ended. 
Have a great time back in the UK, Lynn! You're already missed.. =) 
And, in a full circle, back to my favourite photo of the night.. =)
And with that, the night ended, and 95% of the gang adjourned to the suite for the after-party. I wasn't there, since Joyce and I went home, but by the looks of it, there was PLENTY happening that night.
An annual dinner, or an extremely large-scale photo-session?
You decide. =)
Posted at 01:37 am by IsaacCheah
Link to this article!
Filed under:
|
|
